The sanitization mechanism of the toilet seat

ABSTRACT

The sanitization mechanism of the toilet seat is using control circuit(s) to ensure an enclosed compartment between toilet seat and toilet cover then activating UV LEDs to sanitize the toilet seat. In addition to safe operation, fast response and effective sanitization, it can reduce toilet seat paper or restroom chemicals consumption, especially in high traffic public locations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTIONS

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ultraviolet light has been used to kill microorganisms, molds and fungus in various applications. For safety concern, UV treatment generally takes place inside an enclosed UV exposure compartment and is effective in both air and water. Ultraviolet light kills microorganisms by damaging its DNA. UV light will destroy chemical bonds that tie DNA atoms in the microorganism. Extended exposure under UV light is necessary to ensure complete kill of all microorganisms.

UV light, with wave length smaller than 360 nm (smaller than 300 nm has the highest penetration power), can penetrate the outer cell membranes of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, mold and mildew. The UV light modifies the DNA, forcing it to replicate incorrectly and subsequently causing the death of the microorganism.

By installing UV LEDs and functional control circuit(s) on the toilet cover and forming an enclosed UV exposure compartment with toilet seat, UV sanitization process can be achieved effectively, automatically, safely and quickly. The functional control circuit(s) will provide sensing, monitoring and controlling functions including, but not limiting to following:

-   -   1. Using micro switch(s) and/or motion detecting sensor(s)         and/or photo sensor(s) to ensure toilet seat or toilet cover is         in designated docking position and forms an enclosed compartment         by toilet cover and toilet seat,     -   2. Constantly monitoring above safety interlock switch/sensor(s)         status to ensure operational safety,     -   3. Activating or deactivating UV LEDs for a pre-programmed         period of time to ensure effective sanitization process and     -   4. Provide manual control, either locally or remotely, to extend         or add additional UV sanitization cycle.

BRFIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The sanitization mechanism of the toilet seat is proposed, which comprises: Ultraviolet (hereinafter referred to as UV) LEDs, control circuit(s) of power, driver, timer, safety, micro switch and or sensor-activated docking confirmation, to automatically activate or deactivate the UV LEDs, and an enclosed compartment between toilet seat and toilet cover which allows UV light traveling and sanitizing. The UV sanitization mechanism can sanitize quickly and effectively, reducing toilet seat paper or restroom chemicals consumption, especially in high traffic public locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view (with both toilet seat and cover in vertical position, relative to the toilet bowl) of the toilet seat's sanitization mechanism of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view (with both toilet seat and cover in vertical position, relative to the toilet bowl) of the toilet seat's sanitization mechanism of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view (with both toilet seat and cover in horizontal position, relative to the toilet bowl) of the toilet seat's sanitization mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view (with both toilet seat and cover in horizontal position, relative to the toilet bowl) of the toilet seat's sanitization mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view (with both toilet seat and cover in vertical position, relative to the toilet bowl) of the toilet seat's sanitization mechanism of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

LEGEND

-   1. UV LEDs -   2. Enclosed compartment -   3 and 3′. Local and remote control circuit(s) -   4. Toilet cover -   5. Toilet seat -   6. Docking safety interlock by micro switch(s) and/or motion     detecting sensor(s) and/or photo sensor(s) -   7 and 7′. Extend or additional sanitization cycle push button -   8. Reflective materials and or titanium dioxide coating -   9. Locally wired or remotely wireless controller unit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The sanitization process works with both toilet seat and toilet cover in vertical or horizontal position (relative to the toilet bowl).

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view (with both toilet seat and cover in vertical position, relative to the toilet bowl) of external appearance of the sanitization mechanism of toilet seat of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toilet seat 5 is either manually or automatically raised toward the toilet cover 4 forming the enclosed compartment 2 after usage. By using micro switch(s) and/or motion detecting sensor(s) and/or photo sensor(s) 6 to ensure toilet seat 5 is in designated docking position and forms the enclosed compartment 2. Once toilet seat 5 docking safety interlock 6 is confirmed, UV LEDs 1 driver and timer on control circuit(s) 3 will turn on the UV LEDs 1 for sanitization process for a pre-programmed period of time. Furthermore, user can press the push button 7 or 7′ on either side of toilet cover 4 to extend or add additional sanitization cycle when needed.

FIG. 2 is a top view (with both toilet seat and cover in vertical position, relative to the toilet bowl) of external appearance of the sanitization mechanism of toilet seat of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The enclosed compartment 2 forms by docked toilet seat 5 and toilet cover 4 provides a safe passage for UV light to travel. The UV LEDs 1 placement in first embodiment utilize indirect, reflective UV light exposure arrangement to minimize UV light leakage and is suitable for toilet cover 4 and toilet seat 5 in vertical application (relative to the toilet bowl). In addition, toilet seat 5 can have a small flange along the edge on both sides to further minimize UV light leakage.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view (with both toilet seat and cover in horizontal position, relative to the toilet bowl) of external appearance of the sanitization mechanism of toilet seat of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toilet cover 4 is manually or automatically lowered down onto the toilet seat 5 forming the enclosed compartment 2 after usage. By using micro switch(s) and/or motion detecting sensor(s) and/or photo sensor(s) 6 to ensure toilet cover 4 is in designated docking position and forms the enclosed compartment 2. Once toilet cover 4 docking safety interlock 6 is confirmed, UV LEDs 1 driver and timer on control circuit(s) 3 will turn on the UV LEDs 1 for sanitization process for a pre-programmed period of time.

FIG. 4 is a front view (with both toilet seat and cover in horizontal position, relative to the toilet bowl) of external appearance of the apparatus of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The UV LEDs 1 placement in second embodiment utilize direct UV light exposure arrangement to maximize UV sanitization effectiveness and is suitable for toilet cover 4 and toilet seat 5 in horizontal position (relative to the toilet bowl).The UV LEDs 1 provide direct UV light exposure onto toilet seat 5 surface. The effectiveness of UV sanitization can be further enhanced with reflective coating or titanium dioxide coating 8 on toilet cover 4. Furthermore, user can press the push button 7 or 7′ on either side of toilet cover 4 to extend or add additional sanitization cycle when needed.

FIG. 5 is a front view (with both toilet seat and cover in vertical position, relative to the toilet bowl) of external appearance of the apparatus of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toilet seat 5 is either manually or automatically raised toward the toilet cover 4 forming the enclosed compartment 2 after usage. By using micro switch(s) and/or motion detecting sensor(s) and/or photo sensor(s) 6 to ensure toilet seat 5 is in designated docking position and forms the enclosed compartment 2. Once toilet seat 5 docking safety interlock 6 is confirmed, UV LEDs 1 driver and timer on control circuit(s) 3 and 3′ will turn on the UV LEDs 1 for sanitization process for a pre-programmed period of time. The UV LEDs 1 placement in third embodiment utilize direct UV light exposure arrangement to maximize UV sanitization effectiveness. Furthermore, user can press the push button 7 on a locally wired or remotely wireless controller unit 9 to extend or add additional sanitization cycle when needed.

While the preferred embodiment and various alternative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. The sanitization mechanism of toilet seat, which comprises: UV LEDs, a functional control circuit(s) and the enclosed compartment which formed by toilet seat and toilet cover for UV light to travel and sanitize.
 2. The sanitization mechanism of claim 1, wherein the wave length of UV LEDs is smaller than 300 nm.
 3. The sanitization mechanism of claim 1, wherein the operating safety of toilet seat or toilet cover in docking position is ensured by micro switch(s) and/or motion detecting sensor(s) and/or photo sensor(s).
 4. The sanitization mechanism of claim 1, wherein the inside of enclosed compartment can be further coated with reflective material(s) or titanium dioxide material to enhance the sanitization effectiveness.
 5. The sanitization mechanism of claim 1, wherein the control mechanism can be fully automatic or manually controlled with either wired or wireless remote controller. 